Studies show that more and more people are renovating or updating their homes. Data from Confused.com showed that nearly half of UK homeowners planned to revamp their properties in 2024. Modernising your home has several benefits. It can offer an alternative to moving, add value, help you create a more practical and beautiful nest and reduce costs in the future. In this guide, we’ll highlight some home upgrades to invest in now to save money later.
Image credit: Pexels
New windows and doors
Replacing old or damaged windows and doors provides multiple advantages for homeowners. One of the key reasons to update your windows and doors is to boost energy efficiency. Living costs have risen and the cost of energy has soared, meaning it’s more beneficial than ever to reduce consumption.
New windows and doors can help you retain more heat, ensuring your living spaces stay warmer for longer. In addition, modern installations offer enhanced security and they can transform the look of your home. If you’re considering replacing your windows, it’s beneficial to learn more about different types and styles by seeking expert advice and using resources such as an online uPVC window guide. It may also be helpful to visit showrooms or browse online galleries to get an idea of what’s available and see which styles would suit your property best. As well as helping you save money on energy bills, adding new doors and windows to your home can also increase its value and saleability.
Insulation
Insulating your home is an excellent way to save money on household bills. Insulation improves heat retention and reduces heat loss. If your home is well-insulated, you won’t have to spend as much money to stay warm during the cool autumn and winter months. There are several ways to insulate a house, ranging from inexpensive DIY hacks to more costly measures, such as loft insulation, new windows and doors and double glazing. Research options, compare quotes and calculate cost savings. You may find that you’ll claw back your initial outlay in cost savings within a short period by investing in more expensive solutions.
Solar panels
Many of us are looking for ways to embrace greener living. One option is to use renewable energy. Solar panels have become more popular, but there are pros and cons. Adding solar panels to your home can help you lower energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint and add value to your home, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of installation. If you’re planning to move in the near future, it may not make financial sense to add panels now. If you want to stay in your home for several years, it’s worth getting quotes and figuring out how much you could save in the future. Around 1.4 million homes in the UK had solar panels in 2024. Data from the Energy Saving Trust suggests the average break-even point is 10-14 years.
Picture by Pexels
Smart appliances
Technology is advancing all the time, offering amazing opportunities for homeowners to save time, effort and money. Upgrading your household appliances can help you increase energy efficiency and gain access to impressive features. Examples include remote controls and customised settings. If you have a smart home, you can do everything from setting the temperature and watching cameras to turning the lights on and off and playing music at the touch of a button. Smart systems can decrease energy bills but they may also make your home more attractive to prospective buyers if you choose to sell.
Modern heating systems
Investing in a modern heating system has two key benefits. The first is to optimise performance levels and reduce the risk of faults. The second is to improve energy efficiency to lower household bills. If you have an old boiler, it’s worth looking at newer products and getting professional advice about upgrades and adjustments. It’s particularly beneficial to replace your boiler if you’re paying for repairs regularly or it’s not doing its job properly and you could be left without heating or hot water at any point. Buying a new unit will save you money in the long term and ensure you have access to heating and hot showers.
Upgrading your home can be expensive, but often, investing money reduces costs and outgoings in the future. Examples of adjustments and updates you can make now to save money later include replacing old or damaged windows and doors, improving insulation and adding solar panels. Upgrading to smart household appliances and modernising your heating system with a new boiler can also lower expenses dramatically.
Featured Image from Pixabay
